Latest posts by Laura Vidal
Detention of News Site Director Raises Concerns for Venezuela's Freedom of Speech
Lawyer and journalist Braulio Jatar was arrested and accused of money laundering, but netizens and journalists believe his reporting on protests against president Nicolas Maduro was the real reason.
Want to See Venezuela’s Diversity in Action? Check Out the Dance Floor
On World Folklore Day, Venezuelans in and out of the country celebrated their African roots, thanks to a viral video.
Tensions Rise as Venezuela’s Opposition Marches on the Capital
An opposition demonstration on September 1 has exposed major tensions between the Venezuelan government and its critics. Local independent and citizen media are watching the story closely.
The Radio Soap Opera That Revived a Genre and Put the Ecuadorian Lesbian Community on the Map
“Mariana Is So Lesbian” accomplishes several objectives: reviving a genre, advocating for lesbians' rights, and exploring the experiences of those who lived in Ecuador when homosexuality was still a crime.
For a Short Time, Documentary ‘Humano’ Is Free to Watch Online in Celebration of the Incan Sun Festival
"Humano" follows the quest of a young man in search of answers about the human condition in the Peruvian Andes.
It Turns Out Venezuelan Women Don’t Appreciate Being Lectured by a High-Ranking Official’s Wife
When Diana D'Agostino disparaged the women supporting the government, calling them “poorly dressed, dirty, or walking around without makeup,” she doesn't seem to have anticipated the public's response.
Keys to Understanding the Political and Economic Crisis in Venezuela
"We are a divided, wounded country in conflict..."
What Is Latin American Social Media Laughing at? One Critic Offers a Clue
"Having a good sense of humor is self-criticism, and these 'telepresidents,' which is what I call politicians who are obsessed with the screen, don’t accept any type of criticism."
Protests and Looting Rock Venezuela as Public Chaos Spreads
With shortages rising and a political crisis brewing, many have voiced worries that Venezuela seems to be flirting with potential disaster.
Ecuadorians Turn to Social Media as Powerful Earthquake Rattles the Country's Coast
"Some of my students there are in shock, they have no strength, they can't even speak [...] They say Pedernales is destroyed."
Mexico’s ‘Feminist Library’ Aims to Offer Women Something New
With more than 9,000 followers, the "Library" defends responsible modes for disseminating information and provides a space for discussion and interaction for those concerned with gender equality.
After Panama Papers Bombshell Drops, Latin Americans Laugh to Not Cry
Latin Americans are trying to make sense of the Panama Papers leaks the best way they know how: through humor.
What More Do Latin American Women Want? Equality, Safety and Respect for Starters
"...we want to be able to travel alone without being killed, we want to be able to walk freely in the streets without fear..."
Hugo Chávez's Fictional Transgender Sister Is Breaking Down Walls in Venezuela
Hugo Chávez's fictional transgender twin aims to challenge the former president's personal myth while putting Venezuela's LGBT community front and center.
This Valentine's Day, a Crash Course in Thinking Critically About Love
Could Valentine's Day be a good date to think critically about love and its relationship with politics, social conventions, or even violence against women?
A Venezuelan Digital Artist Defends LGBT Rights Despite Social and Political Censorship
Who's behind censorship and why? What happens when old social norms around gender are questioned? Danial Arzola, creator of the campaign 'I'm not a joke', answers these and other questions.
A Revolution of Music and Poetry From Behind the Computer Screens of Nicaragua
Blogger Heydi Ortega argues that today's Nicaraguan youths are in a unique position, beset with a new generation's troubles, and poised for revolutionary actions, if they're willing.
What Are the Challenges Facing Latin America in 2016?
Global Voices is asking its readers what they think the biggest stories in Latin America that we should be covering are. Write to us! Or even better, write for us!
Sahand Sahebdivani: ‘The Main Thing That Storytelling Does Is It Makes You Human’
In the second part of this interview, Sahand Sahebdivani delves deeper into cultural encounters through stories and the way technology can bring us closer: ‘We’re constantly bombarded by people’s stories’.
Amsterdam’s Sahand Sahebdivani and His Storytelling Phenomenon
In this two-part conversation with Global Voices, Sahand Sahebdivani talks about cultural encounters, female heroes in Persian mythology, the power of storytelling, and the idea of hybrids of cultural exchange.
After the Paris Attacks: For It to Be Unity, It Can't Be Partial
"Scrolling up and down Facebook, reading impressions, testimonials, opinions, statistics, I see that the main victims of the attacks are people of all colours, and over 15 nationalities."